Top 10 Funniest Recruiting Stories in Past Decade

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September 26th, 2012 at 4:27 PM
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StephenRKass
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Top 10 Funniest Recruiting Stories in Past Decade

Mike Farrell over at Rivals has a free article with the top ten most ridiculous recruiting stories of the past decade.  LINK:  http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1239615

The list doesn't include Jimmy Claussen's announcement with the white Hummer limo, spiked hair, and promises of 4 national championships. More importantly, it doesn't include any Michigan recruits.

As you read through the list, there is a fascinating and striking fact. Namely, you don't see a single recruit who made a flashy announcement actually pan out as a great player. These recruits got their "15 minutes of fame" and the attention they wanted. But it didn't make any of them good on the field. The reality? Many of them flamed out.

Reading through this list just points out the wisdom of Hoke, Mattison, and the rest of the coaching staff in being genuine themselves, and recruiting strong character guys who will be a good fit at Michigan. I'm reminded that when the fit is bad, good things rarely happen, regardless of the recruiting hype.

It also makes clear that much of the recruiting hoopla is ridiculous. This just feeds a monster created by college football fandom.

"It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up." Vince Lombardi

 

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September 26th, 2012 at 4:29 PM | Maybe they changed things up (Score:1 Normal)
MileHighWolverine
Joined: 09/02/2008
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Maybe they changed things up since you posted but the first sentence of the article mentions Claussen and legendary douchbaggyness. 

September 26th, 2012 at 4:45 PM | You are half right (Score:1)
StephenRKass
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The article mentions Claussen as the lead in. However, he doesn't make the top 10 cut in the article itself. My guess is that Claussen's announcement had more publicity than many of the others, but wasn't as ridiculous as some of the lesser known recruiting incidents.

"It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up." Vince Lombardi

 

September 26th, 2012 at 4:31 PM | I always wonder how many of (Score:2 Normal)
TheGhostofYost
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I always wonder how many of these kinds of stories never see the light of day.  The book "meat market" gives us a little insight into the recruting world, but I'm still watiting for a more comprehensive look into the dark world of college footbal recruiting.

September 26th, 2012 at 4:44 PM | I agree and have been (Score:3 Normal)
JimLahey
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I agree and have been thinking the same thing for a while. If someone can put together a really good, insightful book about college football recruiting I will buy it immediately.

The problem, as I see it, is that you can only write recruiting stories after the fact. No high school player is going to let you follow him around and then write about how people threw money and girls at him because it would cause major problems.

I've decided to lay off the food for a while, and go on the booze.

September 26th, 2012 at 4:46 PM | And, it would border on NCAA (Score:2)
Bronco648
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And, it would border on NCAA violations.

Nobody home...

September 26th, 2012 at 4:59 PM | Do you know any hockey recruiting stories? (Score:2 Normal)
StephenRKass
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Do you know any hockey recruiting stories? I'd imagine some pretty interesting things happen in that arena as well.

I have known several players over the years. However, the only one I'm in contact with regularly now played on the OL for Kansas, and then played semi-pro ball. Interestingly, he was recruited by Bo, and initially offered a scholarship. Bo pulled the scholarship because his grades weren't up to snuff.

I asked this guy, let's call him "Mike," about recruiting. He immediately verified the whole girls offering sexual favors, along with wining, dining, and cash, as incentives for a recruit to go to a particular school. However, I could never identify him publicly. He's got a wife and kids and this stuff happened more than 30 years ago, and is part of the ancient past. I'd also guess that oversight is a lot tighter now than it was 30 and 40 and more years ago. I can only imagine what went on from 1900 through 1970. Anyone who thinks that a lot of girls and alcohol and cash and cars didn't happen is hopelessly naive.

Probably there are a ton of people on the board who know stuff that either happened when they were recruited, or to guys they know who played. But no one wants that stuff out there in the public eye. I can only imagine what has happened at USC and Alabama and Georgia and Texas and Ohio State and on and on and on. To be honest, while some schools may have less of this go on than others, I wouldn't be surprised in the least to find out a lot of the same things happened at Michigan.

"It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up." Vince Lombardi

 

September 26th, 2012 at 5:21 PM | Curious (Score:2)
Lets_Go_Blue
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Did he mention any of this stuff regarding specific schools? You probably don't want to single out Michigan, but if he did visit, I'd be curious if he mentioned anything about us specifically.

Football is both an identity and a terminal illness. A rhythm and a chaos and an opiate for the mind all at once.

     -Johnny Danbury (umichedme.blogspot.com)

September 26th, 2012 at 7:09 PM | I have many hockey recruiting (Score:5 Normal)
JimLahey
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I have many hockey recruiting stories.

In regards to Michigan, a prominent recruit told me he went on an official visit with coach Red and was getting the usual tour/recruiting pitch. Then Red said why don't we go to my office to discuss some things and when he opened the door, sitting in the room were Lloyd Carr and Bo. Bo looked him dead in the eye and said "Son, why wouldn't you want to go to Michigan?"

He said Bo was absolutely polarizing and intimidating but also very polite and engaging. He didn't end up going to Michigan but I thought that was always a cool story.

I've decided to lay off the food for a while, and go on the booze.

September 26th, 2012 at 8:57 PM | Great story. (Score:1 Normal)
Gordon
Joined: 08/30/2010
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This is a great story.

Also, I'd assume that many of the hockey stories are of the cash payment variety, as seen with Michigan's many recent run-ins with OHL teams.

September 26th, 2012 at 9:21 PM | Honestly, I wouldn't even (Score:5 Normal)
JimLahey
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Honestly, I wouldn't even know where to start.

I've decided to lay off the food for a while, and go on the booze.

September 26th, 2012 at 4:59 PM | Regarding your first point (Score:2)
DanRareEgg
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Has anyone read "The Courting of Marcus Dupree?" Ever since I saw the "30 for 30" about him I've been interested, but haven't yet gotten the book..

September 26th, 2012 at 8:44 PM | Marcus Dupree (Score:1)
BillyOcean
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That was a excellent 30 for 30. Some shady recruiting went on with him. I thought I saw Saben as a little tyke getting in on the Dupree sweepstakes.

September 26th, 2012 at 6:41 PM | Try "Meat Market" by Bruce (Score:2 Normal)
Magnus
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Try "Meat Market" by Bruce Feldman. It's pretty decent.

Twitter - Recruiting Update: May 20

September 26th, 2012 at 4:36 PM | Come on....how can Cullen (Score:3 Normal)
JT4104
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Come on....how can Cullen Christian's 26hr commitment ceremony not be on there?

September 26th, 2012 at 5:24 PM | Also, I believe he's our last (Score:1)
Lionsfan
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Also, I believe he's our last "hat" win, for whatever that's worth (nothing)

If you're doing nothing, how do you know when you're finished?

StraightDave owes me a steak dinner

September 26th, 2012 at 4:45 PM | (No subject) (Score:5 Normal)
ken725
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Greetings from Bolivia.

"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple."  - Gary Moeller

September 26th, 2012 at 5:17 PM | as always (Score:5 Normal)
bluetell
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Rudy watches inspirational movies about Shawn Hunwick

 

September 26th, 2012 at 4:45 PM | Here's one in the not-at-all (Score:-1 Offtopic)
September 26th, 2012 at 4:52 PM | Auburn has a Chick-fil-a (Score:5 Normal)
ken725
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Auburn has a Chick-fil-a closer so he picked Auburn over Clemson.

 

Greetings from Bolivia.

"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple."  - Gary Moeller

September 26th, 2012 at 5:30 PM | Not gonna lie, I don't find (Score:5 Normal)
jhender85
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Not gonna lie, I don't find anything odd about using that as a reason to decide where to go.  When I moved back to Ann Arbor after living in Arizona for a few years, there were 2 things that made the decision to move back more difficult than expected: the first being no longer living within a short drive to Vegas, the 2nd being a 1 hour drive to the closest Chick-fil-A...

Yep, the whole new job thing and finding a new place to live wasn't as much of a concern as my gambling prospects and delicious chicken sandwiches.  I'm indeed a shallow and easily pleased man.

September 26th, 2012 at 6:44 PM | What about not having an (Score:3 Normal)
ken725
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What about not having an In-n-out.  That has to hurt as well. 

Just curious what Fwy do you take to Vegas.  The I-15 is the worst, so I usually just fly to Vegas if I can find a really cheap flight.

Greetings from Bolivia.

"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple."  - Gary Moeller

September 27th, 2012 at 8:33 AM | I do enjoy the occasional 2x4 (Score:3 Normal)
jhender85
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I do enjoy the occasional 2x4 animal style with fries well done, but I liked In n' Out alot better when it was a once a year thing.  Having it readily available kinda made seem less special.  Driving to Phoenix to Vegas is a straight shot on 93/I-40.  It used to be a nightmare once you hit Hoover dam, but the new bridge they put up cut 30-45 minutes or so off the drive so it wasn't so bad the last couple times I drove up.  Besides, I hate McCarran airport... a lot.

 

Edit: Flamebait, huh?  To whoever this extremely lewd and utterly outrageous post of mine deeply offended, I truly apologize.  I must've really struck a nerve...

September 26th, 2012 at 10:41 PM | Not even remotely shady, but (Score:1)
turtleboy
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Not even remotely shady, but Calvin Johnson decided to go to Georgia Tech mostly because he absolutely did NOT want to leave home. The campus was within walking distance from his parents house. Said he had a pretty tough time being homesick after he got drafted.

How many times have you been on the freeway and had someone fly by you at 100 mph then end up 2 cars ahead of you at the off ramp? What's the point? -Mark Harmon

September 26th, 2012 at 5:00 PM | Wasn't there a recruit a few (Score:2)
Johnny Blood
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Wasn't there a recruit a few years back who held his press conference at a strip club?  I recall something of the sort, but couldn't find it online.

Third generation Michigan alum

September 26th, 2012 at 6:33 PM | at (Score:2 Normal)
alanmfrench
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least that kind of announcement might be worth watching!

“Well, I was this close to bringing a sinner to Jesus, and now he is consigned to eternal damnation. I hope that you’re happy.” - Boyd Crowder, Justified

September 26th, 2012 at 5:04 PM | Come on, Farrell (Score:5 Normal)
MH20
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What kind of a countdown goes from 1 to 10?  Fail.

"The difference between a man and a boy is, a boy wants to grow up to be a fireman, but a man wants to grow up to be a giant monster fireman."

- Jack Handey

September 26th, 2012 at 5:11 PM | That article is over a year (Score:5 Normal)
chally
Joined: 11/25/2008
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That article is over a year old. 

September 26th, 2012 at 5:18 PM | I just noticed this as well (Score:2)
MH20
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July 16, 2011

"The difference between a man and a boy is, a boy wants to grow up to be a fireman, but a man wants to grow up to be a giant monster fireman."

- Jack Handey

September 26th, 2012 at 5:24 PM | Meh, cut him a break.  It's (Score:2 Normal)
TheGhostofYost
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Meh, cut him a break.  It's been a very slow day.

September 26th, 2012 at 5:27 PM | I think he just wanted the (Score:3 Normal)
ken725
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I think he just wanted the points.

Greetings from Bolivia.

"It's special how the real true people hang together. And if you don't support the program you're not a true Michigan guy. It's that simple."  - Gary Moeller

September 26th, 2012 at 5:26 PM | Oops. Crap. (Score:1 Normal)
StephenRKass
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Oops. Crap. Good catch, shouldn't have posted the link, didn't see that myself. Thanks.

"It does not matter how many times you get knocked down, but how many times you get up." Vince Lombardi

 

September 26th, 2012 at 5:40 PM | Shame (Score:3 Normal)
BeatOSU52
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Shame on you

We're not teaching them about sports, we're teaching them about life!

September 26th, 2012 at 5:58 PM | NSFMF (Score:2)
MH20
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I don't remember reading this before so it was still worth a read and a chuckle.  Carry on.

"The difference between a man and a boy is, a boy wants to grow up to be a fireman, but a man wants to grow up to be a giant monster fireman."

- Jack Handey

September 26th, 2012 at 5:30 PM | In other logical leaps I (Score:-1 Overrated)
September 26th, 2012 at 5:52 PM | lol politcal unrest. (Score:0 Overrated)
September 26th, 2012 at 5:38 PM | after reading some of those (Score:3 Normal)
ish
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after reading some of those stories, i think that mike farrel fails to understand what "funny" is.

September 26th, 2012 at 6:03 PM | Fixed (Score:5 Normal)
MH20
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mike farrel fails

"The difference between a man and a boy is, a boy wants to grow up to be a fireman, but a man wants to grow up to be a giant monster fireman."

- Jack Handey

September 26th, 2012 at 6:41 PM | Anyone else really weirded (Score:3 Normal)
htm11
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Anyone else really weirded out by the Tennessee coaches ripping off their shirts hulk style? Feel like that would be a dealbreaker for me as a recruit

 

September 26th, 2012 at 6:54 PM | Regarding "Topless" (Score:3 Normal)
LSAClassOf2000
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There is - very sadly - video evidence from an old USC site:

 

These poor kids... "Hey, mom, remember that recruiting visit? Well, the coach took his shirt off, and..."

"Funny isn't it, how naughty dentists always make that one fatal mistake."

Follow the random tweets of a Michigan alum - http://twitter.com/#!/LorneEC3

September 27th, 2012 at 11:28 AM | This was all funnier (Score:4 Normal)
M-Wolverine
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Before Penn State.

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

September 26th, 2012 at 6:54 PM | In other news (Score:2)
ChopBlock
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Mike Farrell is reporting that Florida State remains Willie Williams' leader

"The straightest line from A to B is straight: From A to B"

"When you have Denard Robinson, you can have everything"

~George Walden

September 26th, 2012 at 7:14 PM | No Jordan Payton? What? (Score:1)
Philbert
Joined: 01/24/2011
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No Jordan Payton? What?

 

Touchdown Manningham!  MICHIGAN WINS! 

September 26th, 2012 at 7:23 PM | "As you read through the (Score:4 Normal)
Clarence Beeks
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"As you read through the list, there is a fascinating and striking fact. Namely, you don't see a single recruit who made a flashy announcement actually pan out as a great player."



Cyrus Koundjiao is pretty good...

September 26th, 2012 at 8:59 PM | Greg Little (Score:3 Normal)
GoBlueInNYC
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And isn't that the Greg Little who is now a wide receiver in the NFL? Assuming the Browns are still part of the NFL, of course.

I am this close to going all Dark Blue in here.

September 26th, 2012 at 9:29 PM | Kass' statement is kinda (Score:1)
Lionsfan
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Kass' statement is kinda true. Little or Koundijiao didn't make flashy announcements, just had some delays

If you're doing nothing, how do you know when you're finished?

StraightDave owes me a steak dinner

September 26th, 2012 at 10:45 PM | Individual recruits is (Score:1)
turtleboy
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Individual recruits is nothing, many times its entire top recruiting classes that bust. I posted this over the summer, but it's very telling about the importance of great coaching.

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1336343

Unsurprising some of the recruits from the Forum topic made it onto this list as well.

How many times have you been on the freeway and had someone fly by you at 100 mph then end up 2 cars ahead of you at the off ramp? What's the point? -Mark Harmon

September 27th, 2012 at 10:53 AM | What a run for the Seminoles. (Score:0 Trolling)
September 27th, 2012 at 11:02 AM | What a run for the Seminoles. (Score:0 Redundant)
September 27th, 2012 at 11:27 AM | You can really see how they had all those top 5 finishes (Score:3 Normal)
M-Wolverine
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In 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Oh, wait...

"I love him, he's a great coach, he's a great mentor, he's a great friend. He's every single thing you want a college coach to be, and he does it flawlessly." -David Molk

September 27th, 2012 at 5:13 PM | Just imagine if recruiting (Score:3 Normal)
saveferris
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Just imagine if recruiting hype machine was in operation 25 years ago.  I can't imagine the kind of shenanigans a guy like Deion Sanders would be pulling when we made his signing announcement.

 

"...what do you say, is it the new Bluesmobile or what?"

"Fix the cigarette lighter."

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